John "Gilbert" Leyba

John “Gilbert” Leyba was born in Trinidad, CO on January 24, 1936 to Leandro Leyba and Margaret Abeyta Leyba. He died on January 16, 2024 in Wheat Ridge, CO. Gilbert attended Trinidad HS, Trinidad Jr. College and graduated with a BS in Business Administration from Western State College in Gunnison CO in 1959. Gil also served in Army, stationed in Germany in early 1960’s and was a stenographer. Gilbert married his first love, Lucille Marquez in 1965 and raised their 3 daughters in North Denver. Gil and Lucille were active members of St. Dominic’s Catholic Church and loved to travel, loved the Denver Broncos and loved to socialize. Gil worked as an accountant for a commercial real estate developer and later for a wholesale food distributor. Gilbert had to take an early retirement because of kidney failure but in 2000 was given the precious gift of life by his daughter, Maria. Before her death in 2004, Lucille, selflessly wished him a second chance at love. That came in 2005 with Donna Applehans. She was his constant and loving companion for 17 years until his death.

Gilbert is survived by his three daughters, Julie (John), Maria (Tim) and Johanna (Manuel). He’s survived by his grandchildren, Zac Wood, Marisa McClain (Glenn); Eliana, Alicia and Jonathan Leyba Valdez; and Levi and Gabriel Gurule. Along with his “Beloved” Donna, he’s survived by her son’s Russ(Cindy),

Wayne (Michelle), her grandchildren and her great- granddaughter. He’s survived by his brother Lee (Phyllis) and sister Julie Crespin. Also survived by his dear friends Paul and Maureen Hofmann and their children James and Maggie.

He will also be missed by his extended family, numerous friends and great neighbors.

Rosary will be on Monday, January 29, 2024 at St. Dominic's Catholic Church, beginning at 9:30 AM. Mass will follow starting at 10:00 AM. Burial will be at Mount Olivet. The family invites all guest to join them for a reception at American Legion Hall, 6230 W. 60th Ave, Arvada, CO 80003.

In lieu of flowers please donate to St. Domoinic's or Collier Hospice Center.